From flying over Never Land to taking a spin in a tea cup, Fantasyland has been home to some of our guests’ favorite experiences at Walt Disney World Resort since opening day. So when we set out to reinvent the most popular land at our most popular Disney destination, we knew that it had to be something truly spectacular – and I’m proud to say that New Fantasyland is exactly that.

Last Friday, I toured the construction site as we complete the finishing touches for our official opening on December 6, and while the entire expansion is extraordinary, there are a few aspects in particular that I think will be huge hits with our guests.

One of the hallmarks of a great Disney experience is the meticulous attention to detail that goes into the worlds we create, and the queue for Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is another fantastic example of “the more you look, the more you see.” Before taking a voyage under the sea with Ariel and her friends, guests can explore the caves and grottos in and around Prince Eric’s castle, interacting playfully with Scuttle and a few of his friends along the way. The rockwork that’s been done is spectacular, and the paintings that adorn the vaults beneath the castle help draw visitors to New Fantasyland even further into the story of the beloved animated film.

One of the most gratifying aspects of this expansion is the way that our new attractions, entertainment, merchandise and food offerings all come together to create a singular experience that is a worthy addition to a park as iconic as Magic Kingdom Park. The result is only possible through the hard work and the collaboration from people across Disney Parks and Resorts, and I am extremely proud of what they have accomplished. We can’t wait to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover the new stories, new adventures and new magic that will help them make shared memories that last a lifetime.

Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and follow @WaltDisneyWorld on Twitter for the latest on New Fantasyland. While you’re on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtag #NewFantasyland.

7 Comments

Mitchell from IL on October 31st, 2012 at 9:21 pm

We can’t wait to see it for ourselves. From all the photos it looks like another amazing job by the Imagineering team!

2

Allie on October 31st, 2012 at 10:00 pm

I’m gonna be so enthralled with looking at all of the details in the marvelous queues for waiting in line, I’ll almost wish for the lines to move slower. These imagineers (well actually the whole cast of disney) is my inspiration in everything I do. Can’t wait to freak out next month when I go :). By the way: heartwarming artical.

3

Fred from CA on November 1st, 2012 at 2:05 am

Thanks for this blog post Tom!

These are some very cool additions. I especially love attractions that have impressive audio-animatronics!

As a side note, I LOVE Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, and Buena Vista Street is awesome as well.

As a local of the Disneyland Resort, I’m really looking forward to what is coming up for Disneyland in the future. I’m hoping that there will be some cool announcements at the D23 Expo next year. There have been a lot of interesting rumors lately…

4

Allie on November 1st, 2012 at 5:15 pm

I can’t wait to experience New Fantasyland in person! I’ve been going to WDW at least once a year ever since I was little, and this might be the most exciting thing that has ever happened there! Magic Kingdom is always my favorite park, and Fantasyland is always my favorite part of MK. This expansion sounds like it will make it even better!

(As a side note… hello, other Allie! LOL!)

5

Sarah on November 4th, 2012 at 9:54 pm

So sad that it wont be open till Dec 6th. We will be there Nov 18th-22nd. Maybe in a few years when we make it back it will all be finished.

6

Ashley on November 7th, 2012 at 11:55 am

I can not wait to get there! We arrive two days after the opening of the Enchanted Forrest and I am too excited!!

7

Dustin on November 15th, 2012 at 7:26 pm

I’d like to congratulate Disney on a job well done with the Fantasyland expansion. To take some of the most treasured Disney franchises, and give them this kind of treatment, is something fans the world over will undoubtedly enjoy and appreciate for years to come. DW says her parents would like to take us in a year; to that we say, we can’t wait!

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